sciencedirect.com/science/a...
A small study by Dr John Winkelman on Suvorexant to help sleep quality in patients with well controlled RLS.
Suvorexant might be helpful for people with Buprenorphine or methadone induced insomnia.
Suvorexant has only recently been licensed in the UK. It will be interesting to see if anyone can get it on the NHS.
I found it interesting that the article was dated December 2024.
Consumer Reports didn't think much of it although they didn't test it on people with RLS. consumerreports.org/cro/new...
I didn't even notice that Sue! Dr Winkelman has even more talents. He can timetravel.
Hi Jools, I have posted previously that I’m taking Daridorexant which I think may be a new version of Suvorexant?? I’ve been taking that now since April and my RLS does seem to have calmed down recently. I am definitely getting more sleep than before. I started on 50mg but am trying to manage on 25mg per night. I have not used any sort of dopamine meds previously.
I am also upping my iron intake at the moment but ferritin levels still comparatively low (I’m going to raise a separate post on that to ask for some guidance) at 60, so assuming it’s probably not the iron that is making the difference to the condition.
That's encouraging to hear. 60 is low, so definitely room for further improvement on the iron front.
Daridorexant (brand name Quviviq) is the same class of drug as suvorexant (Belsomra) - they are both orexin antagonists, however they are different medications. There is also a newer orexin antagonist called lemborexant (Dayvigo).
Presumably your test for serum iron was in the morning when its at its highest so probably even lower at bed time? My mum's is 68 ug/L (after 30% drop past 6m), as measured in morning. I believe her RLS is due to low iron (also down 30%) and ferritin, due to her ckd 3.
Lacey,
I am also taking Quviviq (Daridorexant) and was taking 25 mg changed to 50 mg. Now I am also cutting the 50 mg tablets in half. I am hoping that the content of the orexin antagonist is the same throughout the pill, so when I split them, I am actually getting 25 mg. Anyway, I appreciated hearing that you are also using it for RLS and insomnia. Marsha
My former rheumatologist actually wrote to my GP and recommended quivicin which is the same thing. My GP says it’s still restricted to specialists but should soon be available through GP’s. He will prescribe it for me then and hopefully it’ll be helpful.
Fingers crossed 🤞
I had to push my GP quite hard to get a prescription of Daridorexant (Quivivic), but now get it on repeat prescription. There is no follow up I simply manage it myself and learn LOTS from everyone’s helpful input on this forum. I am definitely better with them than I was without.
That’s really good to hear, gives me some hope! thanks!
Joolsg well timed thank you.I have an appointment with Prof Walker on Friday. My annual review. I was going to ask about my broken sleep due to Buprenorphine.
X
Very well timed. Hopefully he will consider suvorexant.
I have been refered by my GP to a neurologist, but no appointment yet. I was going to ask him to prescribe 0.4mg of Buprenorphine for my RLS as my GP wont/cant. Are you saying it caused you issues with your sleep?
Hi KeithYes, I tend to sleep sporadically waking every 2 to 3 hours. I usually go back to sleep pretty quickly but not always.
At least I can lie resting though which I couldn't do before.
So in the scheme of things Buprenorphine is a wonder drug for me.
So unless something else appears on the market I will stay with it.
Many people find 0.2 is sufficient to cover their RLS though. Which may be less bothersome
Also many people don't find it causes sleep issues.
Good luck .🙏🏼
Il let you know. Haven't checked yet. Whether it's okay to have alongside Clonazepam 🤷🏼
Just checked ... He may need a little persuasion 🤔
Clonazepam is also a sleep medicine so doubt you could take both together.
Unfortunately not with me Sue.Maybe because I've taken Clonazepam for a few years. Tend to get used to them and they become less effective.
I don't see why you'd need to take them together as they are both sleep aids, and fairly potent at that.
Thanks for the information Joolsg, I’m sure it would be helpful for a lot of members who post that Buprenorphine induces insomnia. I must be very fortunate as I have no such problems with sleep now I’m on 10mg 7day patches, actually the opposite is the case as I can very easily nod off late afternoon.
Good luck to those wishing to try it, must be awful to have relief from RLS through medication but still can’t sleep 😭
HipHop1972
Cruel. You solve RLS but then can't fall asleep.
Everyone that tries it, let us know how it goes.
I recently asked my psychiatrist who oversees my psychotropics, including my sleep medication, for his thoughts on this new class of sleep meds and his feedback from patients he has prescribed them to. His experience with orexin success was moderate, about the same as administering hypnotics like Ambien. These new meds are expensive and insurance companies here in the states make it difficult to access them. I've been with my psychiatrist for 25 yrs. I once asked him, out of all the conditions he encounters which is the most difficult to treat?. Without hesitation he said insomnia. (As i sheepishly glance at my thick patient file on his desk).
That's what Consumer Reports concluded. No better than Ambien.
And zolpidem (Ambien) is WAY cheaper. I’ve never had any problem with a tiny dose of Ambien when needed (travel, stress, excessive tinnitus). No tolerance either, for me at least.
Thanks for this, Joolz. My surgery has started to ration Zolpidem and Zopiclone, which I had been taking in permutation for Bupronorphin insomnia. I shall chase up Suvorexant.
Hi all,
I do not take suvorexant, however, I have been using Quviviq which is also an orexin receptor antagonist. It is non addictive and really works well to put me to sleep. It helps my insomnia, but sometimes my restless legs still activate, and I take a hot bath with Magnesium flakes. (I have both insomnia and restless leg syndrome). I see someone else is also taking daridorexant which is the same as the brand name Quviviq. It costs me a big copay because my medicare supplemental only covers a portion of it. It is the best non addictive medication so far for me. Good luck with it and I hope it works for you. Marsha
Did you check Goodrx? I often find my prescriptions cheaper than with my medicare insurance.
I will definitely check it out. Thank you Sue! You always have such great information. Marsha
Insomnia
